Lincoln County Health Dept. Offers Dental Sealants to 2nd Graders

The Lincoln County Health Department will again be providing dental sealants to students in Tomahawk. Second graders are being offered this program today and tomorrow. Last year 104 students in Lincoln County took advantage of this program.

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to pits and fissures (grooves) on the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent tooth decay by creating a physical barrier against bacterial plague and food. Applying sealants after the teeth erupt helps prevent decay.

The department says the sealant program can be a cost saving for families. In 2010, the average cost of applying a dental sealant was $36.00, compared with the cost of filling on cavity, at $125.00.

The treatment children will receive in this program is not meant to be an alternative to regular dental care. It is still strongly recommended families seek out a dental home (family dentist) for routine dental care.

This program is sponsored by Lincoln County Health Department, Merrill Area Public Schools, Tomahawk Public Schools, the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin, Ministry Good Samaritan Health Foundation, Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital, and community volunteers.

If you would like more information on the Lincoln County Healthy Smiles program, please contact Shelley Hersil for more information at 715-539-1360 or shersil@co.lincoln.wi.us.